Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #108067

Dinah Phillips Welch, MSN, ARNP, College of Nursing, University of Florida, PO Box 100197, Gainesville, FL 32610-0197, 352-273-6516, dwelch@nursing.ufl.edu

The relationship between housing and health has been a long-standing issue in the field of public health. Decent, affordable housing not only impacts individual and family health; it is also one of the many stepping stones that contribute to healthy neighborhoods shaping the quality of life in communities. The social as well as the structural aspects of housing can have a significant impact on physical and mental health, in individuals and the society at large. Along with the widening gap in income inequalities, the affordable housing gap is also increasing which has adverse consequences for low-income women and their families Many low-income workers, particularly single-women with children, must utilize federal housing subsidies to maintain shelter. Moreover, those who must depend on housing subsidies to maintain shelter are often marginalized and discriminated against. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss the ways in which housing policy parallels social inequalities and contributes to inequalities in women's health. First, a historical overview of housing policy, specifically policy associated with low-income rental housing and current housing policy trends will be presented. Then research addressing the associations between housing and health will be explored and characteristics of those who live in subsidized housing will be discussed. Third, a brief review of the literature in the area of neighborhoods, housing, and women's health will be presented. Finally, implications for women's health and public health nursing practice, gaps in current scholarly knowledge, and suggestions for future research will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to
• Discuss historical and current trends in low-income housing policy and its impact on women’s health
• Articulate the current state of research in housing and health, gaps in knowledge, and future research needs.
• Identify the implications of low-income housing policy changes for women’s health and public health nursing practice

Keywords: Housing, Women's Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation